Politics & Data Science

The MSc Politics and Data Science programme is specifically tailored to address the transformative impact of generative AI, large language models, and machine learning on political processes and their ethical implications. This cutting-edge degree is an ideal choice for applicants from diverse backgrounds, aiming to explore the intersection of politics and advanced data science in the digital era.



The curriculum delves deeply into the ways generative AI and large language models are revolutionising our understanding of political discourse, public opinion, and policy-making. With a focus on the ethical and societal implications of these technologies, the programme equips students with a critical perspective on how data science shapes political narratives and decisions in both democratic and non-democratic regimes.



Structured in two streams, the programme caters to students from varying academic backgrounds. The first stream introduces students from social sciences, including political science, to advanced data science methods, emphasising the use of large language models and machine learning in political analysis. The second stream, tailored for those with a technical background, focuses on political science research design and theories, integrating these with data science applications.



Core modules for the Social Science Background stream provide a foundational understanding of data science methods, while optional modules allow exploration into specialised areas like machine learning, quantitative text analysis, and the ethical use of AI in politics. Similarly, the Technical Background stream includes core and elective modules that blend technical skills with an understanding of political science theories and applications.



This programme not only offers comprehensive training in political science and its sub-disciplines but also equips students with empirical skills to navigate and analyse the complex interplay between politics and technology in the modern world. It prepares graduates to critically assess and contribute to the evolving landscape of politics in the age of data science and AI.

Stage 1 Core Modules

POL42540 Applied Data Wrangling and Visualisation Autumn 5

POL42570 Connected_Politics 1 Autumn 5

POL42350 Connected_Politics 2 Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - H) Min 0 of:

Select 20 Credits

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - I) Min 0 of:

Pick 10 credits.

DEV40020 Gender and Development Autumn 10

IS40840 Data & Society Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Autumn 10

POL42550 Feminist Theory Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Pol. Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL41910 Political Violence Spring 10

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42060 International Security Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

SOC41130 AI and Society Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - J) Min 0 of:

Pick 10 credits only.

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - K) Min 0 of:

Please 10 credits only.

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42560 AI and Large Language Models Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - L) Min 0 of:

Pick 20 credits.

DEV40020 Gender and Development Autumn 10

IS40840 Data & Society Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL40950 Introduction to Statistics Autumn 10

POL40970 Politics of European Governance Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

POL42530 Politics of International Trade and Investment Autumn 10

POL42550 Feminist Theory Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL40610 EU Foreign, Security, and Defence Pol. Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10

POL41910 Political Violence Spring 10

POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis Spring 10

POL42060 International Security Spring 10

POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists Spring 10

POL42430 IR Theory: Conflict and Identity Spring 10

SOC41130 AI and Society Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - N) Min 1 of:

ALL STUDENTS:Select 1 30-Credit Module

POL42300 SPIRe Internship Summer 30

POL42310 Thesis Summer 30

A primary degree with at least Second Class Honours Grade 1 (2H1). 2H1 is equivalent to 60 per cent, B minus or 3.08 GPA - in American system: B or 3.00 GPA.



Your application will be considered on its individual merits and relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.



English language requirements: applicants whose first language is not English should have met TOEFL, IELTs, or computer-based TOEFL requirements (600, 6.5, or 250 respectively), or the Cambridge English Test (Certificate in Advanced English at a minimum of Grade B, or Certificate of Proficiency in English at Grade C). Applicants who obtained a previous degree from an English-speaking university may be exempted from this requirement.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

MSc Politics & Data Science W473 Graduate Taught MSc On Campus FT 1 Year

MSc Politics & Data Science W474, W567 Graduate Taught MSc On Campus PT 4 Months/2 Years

W473 MSc Politics & Data Science Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught W474 MSc Politics & Data Science Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught W567 Professional Certificate in Programming for Social Scientists Professional Certificate Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught

Graduates from this programme will be ideally equipped for careers in a large and varied set of employment sectors. The combination of a solid understanding of social science theory and the technical ability to apply advanced data-science approaches to answer questions of political and societal relevance, makes our graduates a unique addition to any data science team.

Furthermore, graduates will be well-positioned to apply for quantitative social science PhD programmes with the aim of pursuing an academic career.



Potential future employers include:

Government

Tech industry

Corporate Sector

International Organisations (EU, UN, WTO, World Bank)

Non-Government Organisations

Not-for-profit sector

Public opinion institutes



​Potential roles include:

Think tanks

Political Advisor

Social Data Specialist

Data Scientist

Chief Information Officer

Social Science PhD candidate